External composition for skin comprising sphingoglycolipid

ABSTRACT

The present application discloses an external composition for skin comprising a component obtained by washing a fungus of genus Sphingomonas with acetone and then extracting the resultant with alcohol or alcohol-water mixture; an external composition for skin comprising a component extracted from a white fungi of genus Sphingomonas; and an external composition for skin comprising a sphingoglycolipid represented by the following formula:  
                 
 
     where, R 1  represents a sugar portion consisting of a single uronic acid or one to four hexoses selected from a group consisting of uronic acid, glucosamine, galactose and mannose; R 2  represents an alkyl group which may have a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; and R 3  represents an alkyl group; these alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups being straight or branched, and substituted or unsubstituted. These external compositions for skin exhibit excellent moisturizing and skin roughnes prevention effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to external composition for skin comprising sphingoglycolipid available as cosmetic and medicine. The external composition for skin of the present invention has potent moisturizing effect and preventive effect against skin roughness.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Arts

[0004] Skin roughness is caused by losing moisture from skin surface during dry weather or cleansing. Miscellaneous chemical substances deluged in the modern society can contact skin to inhibit skin functions, which may also result in skin roughness due to depression of lipid secretion ability. It is thus expected to provide external composition for skin having an excellent moisturizing effect and capable of preventing skin roughness before it occurs.

[0005] Various compounds have been proposed as active moisturizers, typified by water-soluble polyol, and some of which has already been put into practical use. Many of such moisturizing compound already put into practical use, however, suffer from uncomfortability upon application or from insufficient moisturizing effect. Thus a new moisturizing compound is still awaited to be developed.

[0006] In such situation, sphingoglycolipid has been attracting an attention as a safe moisturizing compound.

[0007] For example, JP-A-H1-242690, H2-48520, H4-159203 and JP-B-H6-80007 describe that sphingoglycolipid has skin moisturizing effect. Structures and compositions of the sphingoglycolipids appears in these patent specifications are, however, not clearly disclosed. JP-A-H6-157283 describes a moisturizing external cutaneous cosmetic containing, as its one component, a sphingoglycolipid represented by a specific general formula. The sugar portion of this general formula is, however, expressed simply as saccharide residue without mentioning its details.

[0008] JP-A-S61-286307 clearly specifies a sphingoglycolipid having a moisturizing effect. This patent describes that ganglioside has skin moisturizing and emollient effects and discloses skin cosmetic containing such ganglioside or its salts. Ganglioside refers to a sphingoglycolipid typically containing neutral sugar, amino sugar and sialic acid.

[0009] JP-A-H5-39485, H7-133217 and H7-285827 disclose external cutaneous remedy using cerebroside. Cerebroside refers to a sphingoglycolipid containing 1 mol each of fatty acid, sphingosine base and neutral sugar (galactose or glucose).

[0010] Although several sphingoglycolipids as mentioned above have been known, their moisturizing effects are not always enough to be satisfied. Cosmetic applied on skin is also required to exert preventive effect against skin roughness, as well as moisturizing effect. But previously-known sphingoglycolipid cannot satisfy expected preventive effect against skin roughness.

[0011] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an external composition for skin comprising Sphingomonas strain extract having an excellent moisturizing effect and preventive effect against skin roughness. It is another object of the present invention to provide an external composition for skin comprising an extract with a color lighter than that of the previous extracts from Sphingomonas strains. It is another object of the present invention to provide Sphingomonas strains capable of producing such extract with a lighter color. It is still another object of the present invention to identify structures of sphingoglycolipids having potent moisturizing and skin roughness preventive effects and to provide an external composition for skin comprising such glycolipids.

[0012] These and other objects will be apparent from the description in the entire part of this specification.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] After a series of thorough investigations, the present inventors succeeded in obtaining extracts having potent moisturizing and skin roughness preventive effects by extracting Sphingomonas strain according to a specially designed method, and accomplished the present invention. Thus the first aspect of the invention relates to provide an external composition for skin obtained by washing Sphingomonas strain with acetone, and extracting the resultants with alcohol or alcohol-water mixture. Preferable extracting solutions are methanol, propanol-water mixture or butanol-water mixture. Propanol content in propanol-water mixture is preferably 75 wt % or below. Butanol content in butanol-water mixture is preferably 95 wt % or below, and more preferably 85 to 95 wt %, both ends inclusive.

[0014] The second aspect of the invention relates to provide an external composition for skin comprising an extract obtained from white fungi of Sphingomonas, in particular from Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Preferable white fungi include Sphingomonas paucimobilis KFC-W-1; deposition Nos. FERM P-16238 and BP-6368), Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-253W; deposition Nos. FERM P-16693 and BP-6369), Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-254W; deposition No. FERM P-16694 and BP-6370) and Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-332W; deposition No. FERM P-16695 and BP-6371).

[0015] The third aspect of the invention relates to an external composition for skin comprising a sphingoglycolipid represented by a formula shown below:

[0016] In the above formula, R₁ represents a sugar portion consisting of a single uronic acid or one to four hexoses selected from a group consisting of uronic acid, glucosamine, galactose and mannose; R₂ represents an alkyl group which may have a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; and R₃ represents an alkyl group; these alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups being straight or branched, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0017] R₁ preferably consists of three to four hexoses. More preferably, R₁ is any one of a four-hexose sugar portion consisting of uronic acid, glucosamine, galactose and mannose; a three-hexose sugar portion consisting of uronic acid, glucosamine, and galactose; or a two-hexose sugar portion consisting of uronic acid and galactose. Still more preferably, R₁ is represented by any one of the following formulae:

[0018] R₂ preferably has 15 to 25 carbon atoms, and more preferably has any one of the following structures:

[0019] a: CH₃(CH₂)₁₄—

[0020] c: CH₃(CH₂)₅CH═CH(CH₂)₉—

[0021] (cis)

[0022] R₃ is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted straight alkyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably a straight alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms.

[0023] The external composition for skin of the invention is available as for example toilet soap, shampoo, cleansing foam, rinse, eye cream, eye shadow, cream or milky lotion, toilet lotion, perfume, face powder, facial oil, hair-care cosmetics, hair dye, jelly fragrance, powder, pack, shaving cream, shaving lotion, suntan oil, anti-suntan oil, suntan lotion, sun-screening lotion, suntan cream, sun-screening cream, foundation, powdery fragrance, cheek rouge, mascara, eyebrow pencil, nail cream, nail enamel, nail enamel remover, hair cleaner, bath cosmetics, lipstick, lip cream, eyeliner, toothpaste, deodorant agent, eau de cologne, hair tonic, hair restorer, ointment, wet pack, medicated lip cream or anti-atopic agent. The external composition for skin of the invention can contain at least one of additives selected from a group consisting of whitening agent, surfactant, dye, perfumery, aseptic agent, pigment, mildewproof agent, antioxidant, UV absorber, infrared absorber, fluorescent material, metal ion blocker, binder, filler, antiphlogistic, circulation accelerator, cell activator and antibiotic.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] An external composition for skin according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized to comprise an extract obtained by washing Sphingomonas strain with acetone and succeeding extraction with alcohol or alcohol-water mixture.

[0025] Strains applicable to the present invention belong to genus Sphingomonas. Strains in genus Sphingomonas are known for their producing ability of various components including sphingoglycolipid. Any strain is allowable for the present invention provided that it belongs to genus Sphingomonas. Thus any strain in the classifications of Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Sphingomonas capsulate, or Sphingomonas adhaesiva is available.

[0026] Although they are typically listed as Sphingomonas paucimobilis FERM BP-3631, Sphingomonas paucimobilis FERM BP-3632, Sphingomonas paucimobilis FERM BP-3633, Sphingomonas paucimobilis FERM BP-3634, Sphingomonas capsulata FERM BP-3709 and Sphingomonas adhaesiva FERM BP-3710, many other strains in the genus Sphingomonas are used in a similar manner.

[0027] The strain can be used either singly or in combination with other strain. Combination and mixing ratio of a plurality of strains exempt from any limitation.

[0028] To obtain an extracted component, the strain of genus Sphingomonas is first added with acetone to thoroughly dewater the fungus body, then the fungus body is separated by a method, such as filtration. Acetone is most preferably used as a single solvent, but its mixtures with water-base solvent are also allowable. Addition volume of acetone is set between 0.1 to 1000 liters per 1 kg of wet fungus body, and more preferably between 1 to 10 liters.

[0029] After the addition of acetone, contents in the fungus body is thoroughly brought into contact with acetone. It is also recommendable to apply physical force to the fungus body to raise the contact efficiency. There is no limitation on a contact duration as far as water in the fungus body is successfully removed. Generally the duration is set to 20 seconds to 2 hours according to extent of the physical stress. After that the fungus body is separated from the acetone solution by, for example, filtration.

[0030] Separated fungus body is then extracted with alcohol or alcohol-water mixture. Alcohol used here is selected from hydrocarbon compounds having a hydroxyl group, and preferably from alkanol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. For solitary use of alcohol, preferable ones include methanol, propanol and butanol, where methanol excels the others. Structural isomers of propanol and butanol are also available, where n-propanol, isopropanol, and n-butanol are recommended.

[0031] As for use of alcohol-water mixture, propanol-water mixture and butanol-water mixture are preferable. Propanol content in propanol-water mixture is preferably set not higher than 90%, and more preferably not higher than 75%. Butanol content in butanol-water mixture is preferably set not higher than 95%, and more preferably between 80 to 95%.

[0032] Extraction using these solvent can comply with a method common in this technical field. For example, extraction is carried out once or repeated several times using approx. 1 to 50 liters of solvent per 1 kg of wet fungus body.

[0033] Obtained extract is then distilled by a known method to remove the solvent to yield residual syrup. Drying this residual syrup will result in a solid composition. It is also possible to obtain the solid composition by adding acetone to the residual syrup and by collecting the resultant precipitate by filtration or other methods.

[0034] Thus-obtained sphingoglycolipid composition possesses excellent moisturizing and skin roughness preventing effects and is confirmed that it can provide appropriate moisture to skin surface to retain its smoothness. Such effects are much more superior to those of ganglioside or galactocerebroside, also both of which are sphingoglycolipid with accepted moisturizing effect.

[0035] An external composition for skin according to the second aspect of the invention is characterized to contains an extract obtained from white fungi of genus Sphingomonas.

[0036] The white fungi specified herein refer to those lacking color typically observed in previously-known strains of genus Sphingomonas, or to those appearing lighter even if they have the color. The white fungi are not limited to those look white by visual observation, but also include those with no color or pale color. Strains with no color are most preferable for the present invention. Such white fungi have never been found in genus Sphingomonas, and are identified as novel strains in truth.

[0037] From another viewpoint, the white fungi can be referred as strains of genus Sphingomonas having no or less color substance. All of strains of genus Sphingomonas previously known exhibit yellowish color due to their production of carotenoid dyes. On the contrary, the white fungi is new type ones producing no or less carotenoid dyes.

[0038] Any strains of white fungi are available in this invention as far as they belong to genus Sphingomonas. Thus strains of any one of classifications such as Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Sphingomonas capsulata, and Sphingomonas adhaesiva are acceptable.

[0039] Typical white fungi include Sphingomonas paucimobilis KFC-W-1; deposition Nos. FERM P-16238 and BP-6368), Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-253W; deposition Nos. FERM P-16693 and BP-6369), Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-254W; deposition No. FERM P-16694 and BP-6370) and Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-332w; deposition No. FERM P-16695 and BP-6371).

[0040] These white fungi are roughly classified into two groups based on their properties. One of these groups is characterized by exhibiting citric acid metabolizing property in Chrinstensen's citric acid agar medium, producing no hydrogen sulfide, and hydrolyzing Tween 20, where KFC-W-1 belongs thereto. Another one characterized by having no citric acid metabolizing property in Christensen's medium, producing hydrogen sulfide, showing no hydrolysis of Tween 20, where MK-253W, MK-254W and MK-332W belong thereto. Any other white strain not belongs to the above groups can also be used in this invention.

[0041] There is no limitation on a method for obtaining the white strain. Those isolated from plants and soil, or those obtained after mutating conventional strains are both permissible. Obtaining the white strain by mutation can start from colored strain of genus Sphingomonas whose properties and types not being limited. It is, however, more preferable to start from colored strains having larger proliferating potential, since in general such colored strains can yield mutant having larger proliferating potential.

[0042] The mutant can be obtained by an usual method for obtaining mutants. It is such that performing culture in a medium for a certain period, thoroughly replacing the culture liquor to prepare a new medium, again performing culture in the new medium for a certain period, and repeating these steps afterwards. The four above strains were successfully obtained by such method from the eleventh culture liquor containing strains of genus Sphingomonas (IAM 12576) at a probability of 1/10⁹ cells.

[0043] A medium used for obtaining such mutant can be selected from a variety of those used generally in fungus culture. A preferable medium relates to that can help growth of a strain of genus Sphingomonas. Exceptionally preferable one is a mixed medium containing compounds selected from each groups of (1) glucose, (2) yeast extract, and (3) sodium glutamate, L-glutamic acid and glycine. This preferable medium will be described below.

[0044] Ratio of contents of individual components in the medium (1):(2):(3) is preferably set at 1:0.3-1.0:0.05-0.5,and more preferably at 1:0.4-0.7:0.1-0.3. Sodium glutamate is a better choice as component (3).

[0045] Concentrations of the individual components contained in the medium is set in a concentration range by which strains of genus Sphingomonas will grow well. A preferable concentration range for glucose is between 0.2 and 10 wt %, both ends inclusive. A preferable concentration range for yeast extract is between 0.1 and 10 wt %, both ends inclusive. And a preferable concentration range for a compound selected from a group consisting of sodium glutamate, L-glutamic acid and glycine is between 0.05 and 10 wt %, both ends inclusive.

[0046] A good medium is typically expressed as containing 0.5 to 3 wt % of glucose, 0.1 to 1 wt % of yeast extract, and 0.05 to 0.5 wt % of a compound selected from a group consisting of sodium glutamate, L-glutamic acid and glycine. A still more preferable medium is expressed as 0.7 to 1.5 wt % of glucose, 0.3 to 0.7 wt % of yeast extract, and 0.1 to 0.3 wt % of a compound selected from a group consisting of sodium glutamate, L-glutamic acid and glycine.

[0047] This medium can contain a small amount of basic inorganic components such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and chlorine. A very small amount of other inorganic components, amino acid, vitamin and hormone are also permissible.

[0048] There is no special limitation on a carrier of the medium, so that the medium can have any form of solid, semi-solid or liquid. Agar, gelatin and silica gel are also allowable to prepare solid and semi-solid media.

[0049] Culture in these media will result in highly efficient proliferation of strains in genus Sphingomonas. The proliferation is much more remarkable than in a case using other media. That is, the strain can proliferate in a larger extent in a shorter time period than in the media having conventionally been used for proliferating or growing strains of genus Sphingomonas. For instance, a medium containing 1.0% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract and 0.2% glutamic acid can give a proliferation potential much greater than that is given by a medium containing 3.0% glucose, 0.1% ammonium chloride, 0.1% ammonium sulfate, 0.05% dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, 0.05% magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, 0.05% potassium chloride and 0.001% iron sulfate heptahydrate. The above medium can also provide a much larger proliferation rate as compared with a case using a medium containing 1.0% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract and 0.2% cassamino acids. Thus the above medium is much advantageous in obtaining a large amount of sphingoglycolipid in a shorter period, since it allows very efficient growth of strains in genus Sphingomonas.

[0050] Culture conditions for obtaining the mutant can properly be determined. The culture is generally run at around the room temperature to 40° C., and for three hours to one week per run. It is recommendable to shake the medium containing the strain using a shaker or so according to the general culture methods.

[0051] Using the white fungus of the invention, it is possible to obtain white composition containing sphingoglycolipid. A term “white” defined in the invention also covers a compound with a more pale appearance as compared with that of sphingoglycolipid-containing composition derived in a similar manner from colored fungus. Such white sphingoglycolipid is directly applicable to cosmetic or other products which require aesthetic properties, without being subjected to decoloring process. In other words, such white sphingoglycolipid contains no coloring component, or even if it does, at a very small and negligible amount, so that decoloring process needed previously can be abandoned. Thus by using the white fungus of the invention, white sphingoglycolipid-containing composition is obtained at a good economic efficiency, which promises a large industrial merit.

[0052] A method for obtaining the white sphingoglycolipid-containing composition is not limited to a special one. Any usual extraction method is applicable to obtain the sphingoglycolipid-containing composition. Most preferable method relates to that provided according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0053] The sphingoglycolipid-containing composition isolated from the white fungus has an excellent moisturizing effect and skin roughness protection effect, and is confirmed that it can give an appropriate moisture to skin surface to keep its smoothness. Such effects are confirmed to be equal to or higher than those of colored sphigoglycolipid-containing composition obtained from colored fungus.

[0054] The external composition for skin according to the third aspect of the invention is characterized to comprise the structure represented by formula (1) shown in the above.

[0055] In formula (1), R₁ represents a sugar portion consisting of one to four hexoses selected from a group consisting of uronic acid, glucosamine, galactose and mannose, or a single uronic acid. As for one to four hexoses, one to four units are selected from uronic acid, glucosamine, galactose and mannose to be combined, where the number of each hexose, sequence, bond form and optical isomerism are not restricted. Typical combinations of R₁ include that having uronic acid as an only hexose; that having one uronic acid, one glucosamine, one galactose and one mannose to be totaled as four hexoses; that having one uronic acid, one glucosamine and one galactose to be totaled as three hexoses; and that having one uronic acid, one galactose and two glucoses to be totaled as four hexoses.

[0056] R₁ is typically represented by structures A to D as shown in the above.

[0057] R₂ in formula (1) represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group which may have a cycloalkyl group. Although the number of carbon atoms in R₂ is not particularly limited, preferred number resides in a range from 15 to 25, both ends inclusive. The alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups representing R₂ are straight or branched, and both of those substituted with a hydroxyl group or so, and unsubstituted are allowable. The alkyl group can include in its chain a cycloalkyl group such as a cyclopropyl group. There is also no limitation on the position of a double bond in the alkenyl group or a triple bond in the alkynyl group.

[0058] R₂ is typically represented by structures a to c as shown in the above.

[0059] R₃ represents an alkyl group. R₃ is straight or branched, and both of those substituted with a hydroxyl group or so, and unsubstituted are allowable. The alkyl group generally has 1 to 50 carbon atoms, preferably 15 to 25 carbon atoms. R₃ is typically referred to a straight alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms.

[0060] A group of sphingoglycolipid favorably used for the external composition for skin of the invention can be represented by formula (1) where R₁ represents a sugar portion given by structures A, B, C or D; and R₃ represents a straight alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms.

[0061] Another favorable group of sphingoglycolipid can be represented by formula (1) where R₂ is given by structures a, b or c; and R₃ represents a straight alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms.

[0062] A still more favorable group of sphingoglycolipid can be represented by formula (1) where R₁ represents a sugar portion given by structures A, B, C or D; R₂ is given by structures a, b or c; and R₃ represents a straight alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms.

[0063] These sphingoglycolipids given by formula (1) can be included singly in the external composition for skin of the invention, or can be included in combination with two or more of them. For the case with the combination, there is no special limitation on the ratio of contents of individual components.

[0064] Sphingoglycolipids of formula (1) is obtained by extracting fungus body containing sphingoglycolipid. Since sphingoglycolipid is contained in fungus body which belongs to genus Sphingomonas, that any fungus body belongs to genus Sphingomonas can yield the sphingoglycolipid given by formula (1) through extraction. The sphingoglycolipid given by formula (1) is insoluble in acetone, so that it is preferable to wash the fungus body with acetone before extraction. As a solvent used for extracting sphingoglycolipid of formula (1), alcoholic solvent such as methanol, or mixed solvent of polar solvents such as alcoholic solvent admixed with chloroform are preferable in terms of yield. Other solvents will be also acceptable provided that they can solubilize the sphingoglycolipid.

[0065] When a mixture of the sphingoglycolipid is obtained, individual components can be separated by a method known in this technical field. Chromatographic method, for example, can completely separate individual sphingoglycolipids having as R₁ structure A, structure B, structure C and structure D. When chloroform-methanol mixed solvent is used, individual sphingoglycolipids having structure A, structure D, Structure B and Structure C are eluted in this order, which facilitates the separation. Chromatographic conditions such as types of packed material, eluent, elution velocity, pressure and temperature are adjusted properly. It is also advantageous to prepare a derivative of a certain substance contained in the mixture of the sphingoglycolipid using a reagent that specifically reacts with that substance, and run the separation using chemical or physical properties of such derivative.

[0066] Use of Sphingomonas paucimobilis generally yields sphingoglycolipids of formula (1) having as R₁ structures A and B. Use of Sphingomonas capsulata generally yields sphingoglycolipids of formula (1) having as R₁ structures A and C. Use of Sphingomonas adhaesiva generally yields sphingoglycolipids of formula (1) having as R₁ structure A and D. Thus proper selection of the strain based on these findings will help obtaining desired sphingoglycolipids with a high efficiency.

[0067] It is also possible to synthesize Sphingoglycolipid of formula (1) by combining synthetic methods which have previously been known. Individual sphingoglycolipids given by formula (1) can be prepared by, for example, previously synthesizing the sugar and sphingosine portions, and then forming an amide bond therebetween.

[0068] The following paragraphs details the external composition for skin commonly provided from the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

[0069] There is no limitation on the morphology of the external composition for skin of the invention. Thus any form of solid, liquid, paste, jelly or powder is acceptable. It is possible to accomplish such forms by, for example, solidification with an aid of gellation agent, dispersion using liquid, solubilization by adding solvent, or pulverization through spray drying.

[0070] The external composition for skin of the invention has excellent moisturizing and skin roughness preventing effects and is confirmed that it can provide appropriate moisture to skin surface to retain its smoothness. That is, the external composition for skin of the invention can retain moisture of skin for an extended period. Such effects are much more superior to those of ganglioside or galactocerebroside, also both of which are sphingoglycolipid with accepted moisturizing effect. Thus the external composition for skin of the invention can prove its merits in applications where improvements in skin roughness and keratin conditions, or skin protection is required.

[0071] The external composition for skin of the invention also has anti-atopic activity, allowing it to be applied to prevention and therapy of atopic dermatitis.

[0072] The external composition for skin of the invention is available, for example, as cosmetic or medicine. Possible applications include toilet soap, shampoo, cleansing foam, rinse, eye cream, eye shadow, cream or milky lotion, toilet lotion, perfume, face powder, facial oil, hair-care cosmetics, hair dye, jelly fragrance, powder, pack, shaving cream, shaving lotion, suntan oil, anti-suntan oil, suntan lotion, sun-screening lotion, suntan cream, sun-screening cream, foundation, powdery fragrance, cheek rouge, mascara, eyebrow pencil, nail cream, nail enamel, nail enamel remover, hair cleaner, bath cosmetics, lipstick, lip cream, eyeliner, toothpaste, deodorant agent, eau de cologne, hair tonic, or hair restorer. The external composition for skin of the invention also successfully used as ointment or wet pack.

[0073] The external composition for skin of the invention can contain various components besides Sphingoglycolipid according to purposes of its use. Appropriate components can be added to enhance emollient property, to improve use feeling, to reduce dryness after use, to improve solubility, to improve emulsifying property, to improve emulsion stability, to improve compatibility with oily components, to reduce stretched sense after use, to improve fitting to skin, to improve spreadability on skin, to reduce stickiness, to prevent skin roughness, to enhance skin refining effect, to enhance skin protection effect, to improve horny layer, to normalize epidermal keratinization (prevention of partial keratinization due to turnover acceleration, prevention of epidermal thickening, suppression of disorder in epidermal lipid metabolism), to moderate xeroderma such as senile xeroderma, to improve dried skin conditions such as chapping and scaling, to suppress wrinkle formation, to remove wrinkle, to heal wound, to prevent and improve pigmentation, to delay aging, to reduce dandruff and itch, to relieve depilation, to prevent and heal head skin disease, to improve storability, to retrieve softness, to retrieve flexibility, to provide gloss, to suppress melanin production, and to prevent suntan.

[0074] Possible additives for the external composition for skin of the invention include, for example, oil and fat components, phospholipid, UV absorber, infrared absorber, emulsifier, surfactant, aseptic agent, mildewproof agent, antioxidant, whitening agent, vitamin, amino acid, hormone, peptide, bioactive plant extract, fluorescent material, pigment, dye, perfumery, scrub material, metal ion blocker, binder, filler, thickener, saccharide, nutrient, pH adjuster, chelating agent, sterilizer, keratin conditioner, keratin solubilizer, antibiotic, dermal permeation accelerator, circulation accelerator, antiphlogistic, cell activator, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, emollient agent, skin relaxing agent, traumatic remedy, metabolic accelerator, all of which are compoundable depending on purposes. It is also allowable to add moisturizing components other than active components of the invention.

[0075] Oil and fat components compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include fatty acid (e.g. oleic acid, behenic acid, isostearic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, cholumbinic acid eicosa-(n-6,9,13)-trienic acid, arachidonic acid, α-linolenic acid, Tymnodonic acid, and hexaenic acid), ester oil (e.g. pentaerythritol-tetra-2-ethyl hexanoate, isopropyl myristate, butyl stearate, hexyl laurate, octyldodecyl myristate, diisopropyl adipate and diisopropyl sebacate), wax (e.g. beeswax, whale wax, lanoline, carnauba wax, candelilla wax and vaseline), animal and plant oils (e.g. mink oil, olive oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, palm oil, cod-liver oil, beef tallow, butter, evening primrose oil rice bran oil and squalane), mineral oil (e.g. hydrocarbon oils and liquid paraffin), silicone oil (e.g. metylphenyl silicone and dimethyl silicone), higher alcohol (e.g. lauryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, 2-octyl dodecanol and 2-decyltetradecanol) and their derivatives. Allowable organic acids include α-hydroxylic acid, hydroxycarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid and mevalonic acid (mevalonolactone).

[0076] Phospholipid compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include glycerophospholipid of monoacyl ester type or diacyl ester type. They are itemized as lysophosphatidyl choline, lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine, lysophosphatidyl serine, lysophosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidic acid and sphingomyelin. Natural source lecithin (e.g. yolk) and hydrogenated compounds of the substances listed above are also available.

[0077] UV absorber compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention typically include oxybenzone (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone), oxybenzonesulfonic acid, oxybenzone-sulfonic acid (trihydrate), guaiazulene, ethylene glycol salicylate, octyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, phenyl salicylate, homomentyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, methyl diisopropyl cinnamate, cinoxate (p-methoxycinnamic acid 2-ethoxyethyl ester), di-p-methoxycinnamic acid mono-2-ethyl-hexylacid glyceryl, dihydroxymethoxybenzophenone, dihydroxy-methoxybenzophenone sodium disulfonate, dihydroxybenzophenone, tetrahydroxybenzophenone, p-aminobenzoic acid, ethyl p-amino-benzoate, glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, amyl p-dimethylbenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl p-aminobenzoate, p-hydroxyanisole, 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, isopropyl-p-methoxycinnamate, di-isopropyl cinnamate, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, sodium hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate, 4-tert-butyl-4′-methoxybenzoylmethane, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, glyceryl-p-aminobenzoate, methyl-o-aminobenzoate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, amyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate, 2-phenylbenzoimidazole-5-sulfonate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenoneimidazole-5-sulfonate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenon-5-sulfonate, digalloyltrioleate, p-methoxysilicocarbonate-2-ethoxyethyl, butylmethoxybenzoyl-methane, glyceryl-mono-2-ethylhexanoyl-di-p-methoxy-benzophenone, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3′-diphenylacrylate, 2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, and ethyl-4-bishydroxy-propylamino-benzoate.

[0078] Emulsifier and surfactant compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant and cationic surfactant.

[0079] As the nonionic surfactant enumerated are sorbitan ester (e.g. sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monoisostearate), polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester (e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoisostearate, polyoxyethylene sobitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), glycerol ester (e.g. glycerol monoisostearate, glycerol monomyristate), polyoxyethylene glycerol ether (e.g. polyoxyethylene glycerol monoisostearate, polyoxyethylene glycerol monomyristate), polyglycerin fatty acid ester (e.g. diglyceryl monostearate, decaglyceryl decaisostearate, diglyceryl diisostearate), glycerin fatty acid ester (e.g. glyceryl monocaprate, glyceryl monolaurate, glyceryl monomyristate, glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monolinoleate, glyceryl monoisostearate, glyceryl monodilinoleate, glyceryl monodicaprate), polyoxyethyleneglycerin fatty acid ester (e.g. polyoxyethyleneglyceryl monomyristate, polyoxyethyleneglyceryl monooleate, polyoxyethyleneglyceryl monostearate), polyoxyethylene branched alkyl ether (e.g. polyoxyethylene octyl dodecyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene-2-decyl tetradecyl alcohol), polyoxyethylene alkyl ether (e.g. polyoxyethylene oleyl alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl alcohol ether), polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid ester (e.g. polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene dihydrocholesterol ether, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil isostearate), and polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether (e.g. polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether).

[0080] The anionic surfactant is enumerated as salt (e.g. diethanolamine salt, triethanolamine salt, amino acid salt, potassium salt, sodium salt) of higher fatty acid (e.g. oleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, myris-tic acid, behenic acid), ethercarboxylic acid alkaline salt, N-acylamino acid salt, N-acylsalcone salt, and higher alkyl sulfonic acid salt.

[0081] Typical cationic surfactant and ampholytic surfactant are alkyl quaternary ammonium salt, polyamine, and alkylamine salt.

[0082] Powdery agent compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include talc, kaolin, fuller's earth, rubber, starch, silica, silicic acid, aluminum slicate hydrate, chemically modified aluminum magnesium silicate, sodium polyacrylate, tetraalkylaryl snuctite, trialkylarylammonium snuctite, ethylene glycol monostearate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyvinyl polymer, chalk, gum, ethylene glycol monostearate, and ethylene glycol distearate.

[0083] Polyol compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include polyglycerin such as glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin or tetraglycerin; ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, erythritol, maltotriose, threitol, sucrose, glucose, maltose, multitose, fructose and xylitose.

[0084] Other materials compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include vitamin (e.g. vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K), amino acid (e.g. proline, leucine, isoleucine, alanine, threonine, lysine, cysteine, arginine), hormone (e.g. estrogen, pregnenolone, adrenal cortex hormone), peptide (e.g. keratin, collagen, elastin), saccharide (those listed above in the section for polyol), inorganic salt (e.g. sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, borax, sodium sulfate, sodium sulfide, sodium thiosulfate, sodium sesquicarbonate, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfide), cultured lactic acid bacteria, sterol (e.g. cholesterol, provitamin D₃, campesterol, stigmastanol, stigmasterol, 5-dihydrocholesterol, α-spinasterol, cholesterol fatty acid ester), sphingosine (e.g. sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, phytosphingosine, dehydrosphingosine, dehydrophytosphingosine, sphingadienine), ceramide, pseudoceramide, saponin, chitin derivatives, oligosaccharide (e.g. maltose, xylobiose, isomantose, lactose, sucrose, raffinose, maltotriose, xylotriose, maltotetraose, xylotetraose, maltopentaose, xylopentaose, maltohexaose, xylohexaose, maltoheptaose, xyloheptaose), acidic mucopolysaccharide (hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparin, heparan sulfate), and yeast extract.

[0085] Still other materials compoundable with the external composition for skin of the invention include thickener (e.g. carboxyvinyl polymer, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, carrageenan, alginate, arginic acid propylene glycol ester, gelatin, electrolyte such as sodium chloride), whitening agent (e.g. arbutin, allantoin, vitamin E derivative, glycyrrhizin, ascorbic acid phosphoric acid magnesium salt, Kojic acid, panteric acid derivative, placenta extract, coix seed, green tea, pueraria root, mulberry bark, licorice, scutellaria root, aloe, bitter orange peel, German chamomile, Ganoderma lucidum), skin protector (e.g. retinol, retinol ester, retinoic acid), skin emollient agent (e.g. stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monoricinoleate, mink oil, cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, palm oil, castor oil, oxostearic acid), skin relaxing agent (e.g. stearyl alcohol, glycerin monoricinoleate, glycerin monostearate, cetyl alcohol), skin permeation accelerator (e.g. 2-methylpropane-2-ol, 2-propanol, ethyl-2-hydroxypropanoate, 2,5-hexiandiol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran), biologically active plant extract (e.g. extracts from aloe, arnica, licorice, sage or swertia herb), preservative (e.g. p-hydroxybezoate, sodium benzoate, urea, metylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben), anti-inflammatory (e.g. α-tocopherol, butylhydroxytoluene), buffer (e.g. combination of lactic acid with triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide), keratin solubilizer (e.g. lactic acid, glycollic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid), scrubbing material (e.g. polyethylene powder), and pigment (e.g. lake of calcium, barium or aluminum, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, mica).

[0086] It is also possible to add other materials to the external composition for skin of the invention as required by purposes. The amount and method of addition of each component can properly be based on methods known in this technical area.

[0087] The external composition for skin of the invention is widely used in the field where moisturizing and anti-atopic effects are required. The amount of use will be determined so that desired moisturizing effect is fully achieved.

[0088] This invention will be detailed hereinafter referring to the several preferred embodiments. Components, ratios and procedures shown in these embodiments can properly be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

EXAMPLE 1 Obtaining White Fungus

[0089] A medium containing 1.0% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract and 0.2% sodium glutamate (adjusted to pH 7.0 with citric acid) was put into a 500-ml conical flask, and a strain of genus Sphingomonas (IAM 12576) was then added. The content was cultured under shaking using a shaker at 30° C. for 20 hours. The medium was thoroughly removed and another 50 ml of medium with the above composition was newly added, which was again cultured under shaking using a shaker at 30° C. for 20 hours. After repeating such combination of medium exchange and culture ten times, obtained culture liquor was diluted and sprayed on a plate medium with the above composition. From this culture liquor, Sphingomonas paucimobilis KFC-W-1 (Deposition Nos. FERM P-16238 and BP-6368) was found and collected (at a frequency of 1/10⁹ cells).

[0090] A similar procedure, except that using a strain of genus Sphingomonas derived from rice plant as an initial strain in place of Sphingomonas strain (IAM 12576), yielded Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-253W (Deposition Nos. FERM P-16693 and BP-6369), a white mutant strain.

[0091] A similar procedure, except that using still another strain of genus Sphingomonas derived from rice plant as an initial strain, yielded Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-254W (Deposition Nos. FERM P-16694 and BP-6370) , a white mutant strain.

[0092] A similar procedure, except that using a strain of genus Sphingomonas derived from Deccan grass as an initial strains yielded Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-332W (Deposition Nos. FERM P-16695 and BP-6371), a white mutant strain.

[0093] Obtained white mutant strains and initial strains (IAM 12576) were identified according to “A Guide for Medical Bacterial Identification (3rd edition)”. Results were listed in the tables below. TABLE 1 Initial Tested Strain KFC MK- MK- MK- Items S. paucimobilis IAM12576 W-1 253W 254W 332W Mobility + + + + + + Growth at 37° C. + + + + + + Growth at 20-22° C. + + + + + + (25° C.) Brown dye − − − − − − Purple dye − − − − − − Green dye − − − − − − Yellow dye + + − − − − Orange dye − − − − − − Growth on − − − − − − Macconkey's agar Oxidase (kovacs) d − − − − − Oxidation on O-F d − − − − − medium Alkalization on − − − − − − O-F medium Reduction of nitrate − − − − − − to nitrite Simmons' citric − − − − − − acid agar Christensen's d + + − − − citric acid agar Urease − − − − − − Gelatinase − − − − − − H₂S (lead acetate paper) − − − + + + (vial tube) − − − − − − Gluconic salt − − − − − − Malonic salt − − − − − − Carbohydrate, acid; 10% Glucose − − − − − − 10% Galactose − − − − − − Peptone aquamedium, − − − − − − acid; Glucose − − − − − − Ammonium salt agar, acid; Glucose + + + + + + Arabinose + + + + + + Cellobiose + + + + + + Ethanol + + + + + + Fructose + + + + + + Glycerin + + + + + + Inositol − − − − − − Galactose + + + + + + Maltose + + + + + + Mannitol − − − − − −

[0094] TABLE 2 Initial Tested Strain KFC MK- MK- MK- Items S. paucimobilis IAM12576 W-1 253W 254W 332W Ammonium salt agar, acid; Raffinose + + + + + + Rhamnose + + + + + + Salicin + + + + + + Sorbitol − − − − − − Sucrose + + + + + + Trehalose + + + + + + Xylose + + + + + + Phenylalanine d − − − − − Arginine dihidrase − − − − − − Lysine decarboxylase − − − − − − Ornithine − − − − − − decarboxylase Selenic salt − − − − − − reduction Casein hydrolysis − − − − − − DNase (HCl method) + + + + + + Thomley arginine − − − − − − Tween 20 hydrolysis + + + − − − Tyrosine hydrolysis + + + + + + Brown dye production d + + + + + on tyrosine agar medium Nitrite reduction − − − − − − Growth on PHBA + + + + + + Endogenous PHBA + + + + + + accumulation Fluorescent dye − − − − − − production - King B agar Growth at 5° C. − − − − − − Growth at 42° C. d − − − − − (40° C.) 3-Ketolactose − − − − − − production Lecithinase − − − − − − Starch hydrolysis d + + + + + Christensen's urea − − − − − − Acylamidase − − − − − − Indole production − − − − − − Acetylmethylcarbinol − − − − − − production

EXAMPLE 2 Proliferation Tests Using Various Media

[0095] Various media shown in the table below were adjusted to pH 7.0 using citric acid, which was followed by sterilization. Sphingomonas paucimobilis KFC-W-1 was then cultured in these media at 30° C. under shaking using a shaker. Status of fungus proliferation was confirmed after 24 hours. TABLE 3 Medium Yeast Sodium No. Glucose extract Glutamate Other components 1 1.0 0.5 0.2 None 2 1.0 — — None 3 — 1.0 — None 4 — — — 1.0 Peptone 5 — — — 1.0 Meat extract 6 — — 1.0 None 7 — — 0.5 None 8 1.0 — 0.2 None 9 1.0 — — 0.5 NH₄Cl 10 1.0 — — 0.2 (NH₄)₂SO₄ 11 3.0 — — 0.1 NH₄Cl 0.1 (NH₄)₂SO₄ 0.05 K₂HPO₄ 0.05 MgSO₄.7H₂O 0.05 KCl 0.001 FeSO₄.7H₂O 12 1.0 0.5 — 0.5 Casamino acids 0.2 (NH₄)₂SO₄ 0.1 MgSO₄ 0.2 K₂HPO₄

[0096] No significant proliferation of fungus was observed for media 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Medium 11 showed a small extent of proliferation, and media 3, 4 and 5 exceeded it. A still larger extent of proliferation was observed for medium 12, whereas medium 1 showed an exceptionally large extent of proliferation apparently exceeding all of the others.

[0097] Same experiments in media 1 having its sodium glutamate concentration altered to 0.1%, 0.5% or 0.8%, respectively, showed that the 0.1% medium can allow proliferation as large as that attained by the 0.2% medium.

[0098] Sodium glutamate in medium 1 was then replaced with L-ornithine hydrochloride, glycine, L-leucine, L-methionine, L(+)-lysine hydrochloride, L-cyctein hydrochloride hydrate, L-glutamic acid, L-tryptophan and DL-phenylalanine, respectively, and again the similar experiments were performed. It was observed that glycine and L-glutamic acid can cause a proliferation at a level comparable to that for sodium glutamate.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of Sphingoglycolipid-containing Composition

[0099] The white fungus obtained as described in Example 1 was cultured at room temperature for 24 hours. The culture was run using a medium containing 1.0% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract and 0.2% sodium glutamate (adjusted to pH7.0 with citric acid) under aeration at 0.7 vvm.

[0100] After sterilizing the resulted culture liquor and adjusting its pH at 5.0, the fungus body was collected by centrifugation. Twenty kg of the fungus body was then added with 30 liters of acetone, stirred, and collected by filtration. Thus obtained fungus body was extracted three times with 30 liters each of acetone, and resultant extracts were distilled using a flash evaporator to remove the solvent. Four liters of residual liquor is added with 8 liters of acetone, stirred, and allowed to stand for precipitation. The precipitate was collected, added with another 2 liters of acetone, and again allowed to stand to produce the precipitate. The precipitate was finally collected, dewatered, and dried under reduced pressure to prepare the white composition comprising sphingoglycolipid.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of Sphingoglycolipid-containing Composition

[0101]Sphingomonas paucimobilis (IAM12576) was cultured at room temperature for 24 hours. The culture was run using a medium containing 1.0% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract and 0.2% sodium glutamate (adjusted to pH7.0 with citric acid) under aeration at 0.7 vvm.

[0102] After sterilizing the resulted culture liquor and adjusting its pH at 5.0, the fungus body was collected by centrifugation. Twenty kg of the fungus body was then added with 30 liters of acetone, stirred, and collected by filtration. Thus obtained fungus body was extracted three times with 30 liters each of solvent shown in Table 4, and resultant extracts were distilled using a flash evaporator to remove the solvent. Four liters of residual liquor is added with 8 liters of acetone, stirred, and allowed to stand for precipitation. The precipitate was collected, added with another 2 liters of acetone, and again allowed to stand to produce the precipitate. The precipitate was finally collected, dewatered, and dried under reduced pressure to prepare the composition comprising sphingoglycolipid (Samples 1 to 19). TABLE 4 Sample No. Solvents Mixing ratio 1 Methanol 2 Methanol/water 85/15 3 Methanol/water 70/30 4 Methanol/water 55/45 5 Ethanol 6 Ethanol/water 85/15 7 Ethanol/water 70/30 8 Ethanol/water 55/45 9 Propanol 10 Propanol/water 85/15 11 Propanol/water 70/30 12 Propanol/water 55/45 13 Isopropanol 14 Isopropanol/water 85/15 15 Isopropanol/water 70/30 16 Isopropanol/water 55/45 17 Butanol 18 Butanol/water 85/15 19 Methanol/chloroform 75/25

[0103] Findings from a compositional analysis of sphingoglycolipid of Sample 1 are shown in Table 5. TABLE 5 Components Values Heavy metal 20 ppm or less Arsenic  2 ppm or less Acid value 30 or less Iodine value 20 to 30 Sphingosine 13.0 to 18.0

EXAMPLES 5-25 Production of External Compositions for Skin

[0104] As the active components used in the following Examples 5 to 25, sphingoglycolipid-containing compositions prepared in Examples 3 and 4, and at least one active component selected from a group listed below (represented by formula (1) where R₃ for all the components is a straight alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms). TABLE 6 Active component R₁ R₂ weight part 1 A a 1.00 2 A b 1.00 3 A c 1.00 4 B a 1.00 5 B b 1.00 6 B c 1.00 7 C a 1.00 8 C b 1.00 9 C c 1.00 10 D a 1.00 11 D b 1.00 12 D c 1.00 13 A a 0.50 A b 0.50 14 B a 0.50 B b 0.50 15 A a 0.50 B a 0.50 16 A b 0.50 B b 0.50 17 A a 0.25 B a 0.25 C a 0.25 D a 0.25 18 A b 0.25 B b 0.25 C b 0.25 D b 0.25 19 A a 0.45 A b 0.45 A c 0.10 20 B a 0.45 B b 0.45 B c 0.10 21 C a 0.20 C b 0.40 C c 0.40 22 D a 0.20 D b 0.40 D c 0.40

EXAMPLE 5 Production of a Toilet Milky Lotion

[0105] A first liquid prepared by mixing individual components listed below at 75° C. was added to a second liquid prepared by mixing individual components listed below at 75° C., and then thoroughly emilsified at 75° C. to produce a toilet milky lotion. TABLE 7 Components weight part (First liquid) Squalane 4.9 Monostearic acid 1.8 Vaseline 1.2 Butylparaben 0.1 Liquid paraffin 5.0 (Second liquid) Active component 1.0 Sodium cetylsulfate 0.8 Methylparaben 0.2 Purified water 85.0

Example 6 Production of a Toilet Lotion

[0106] Individual components listed below were mixed at room temperature and thoroughly stirred to produce a toilet lotion. TABLE 8 Components weight part Active component 1.0 Methylparaben 0.1 Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 1.2 Polyoxyethylene sorbitol oleate 0.4 Ethanol 5.3 Purified water 92.0

EXAMPLE 7 Production of a Powder Foundation

[0107] Individual components listed below were mixed at room temperature and thoroughly stirred to produce a powder foundation. TABLE 9 Components weight part Active component 1.0 Mica 37.8 Talc 20.0 Titanium dioxide 12.0 Kaolin 5.0 Iron oxide 3.5 Powdered Nylon 8.0 Octyldodecyl myristate 2.0 Neopentylglycol diisooctate 2.0 Sorbitol monooleate 0.5 Zinc stearate 1.0 Red oxide 1.0 Squalane 6.0 Aseptic agent 0.1 Antioxidant 0.1

EXAMPLE 8 Production of a Whitening Powder

[0108] Individual components listed below were mixed and ground at room temperature to produce a whitening powder. TABLE 10 Components weight part Active component 20.0 Sucrose 50.0 Polyethylene glycol 10.0 Silica 4.5 Vitamin C 5.0 Vitamin C dipalmitate 10.0 Dye 0.5

EXAMPLE 9 Production of an Emollient Cream

[0109] From the components listed below, 1,3-butylene glycol and purified water were first mixed and heated to 70° C., to which a molten mixture of the residual components was added, which was followed by homogenizing the emulsified particles using a homomixer and cooled to produce a emollient cream. TABLE 11 Components weight part Active component 5.0 Stearyl alcohol 6.0 Stearic acid 2.0 Hydrogenated lanoline 4.0 Squalane 9.0 Octyldodecanol 10.0 POE(25)cetyl alcohol ether 3.0 glycerin monostearate 2.0 1,3-butylene glycol 10.0 Dye 0.5 Aseptic agent 0.1 Antioxidant 0.1 Purified water 48.3

EXAMPLE 10 Production of a Pre-shaving Lotion

[0110] Individual components listed below were mixed at room temperature and thoroughly stirred to produce a pre-shaving lotion. TABLE 12 Components weight part Active component 1.0 Zinc sulfophenolate 1.0 Isopropylmyristic acid ester 7.0 Isopropylpalmitic acid ester 8.0 Ethanol 82.5 Perfume 0.5

EXAMPLE 11 Production of a Cleansing Foam

[0111] From the components listed below, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, palm oil and aseptic agent were melted by heating and kept at 70° C., to which a mixture of potassium hydroxide and purified water is added, which was followed by adding the residual components and thorough stirring, to produce a cleansing foam. TABLE 13 Components weight part Active component 4.5 Stearic acid 10.0 Palmitic acid 10.0 Myristic acid 12.0 Lauric acid 4.0 Palm oil 2.0 Potassium hydroxide 6.0 Glycerol monostearic acid ester 2.0 POE(20) Sorbitol monostearate 2.0 Dye 0.5 Aseptic agent 0.1 Chelating agent 0.2 Purified water 46.7

EXAMPLE 12 Production of a Pack

[0112] From the components listed below, titanium oxide and talc were thoroughly dispersed in purified water, to which sorbitol was added and heated to 70° C. to be dissolved, then the residual components were added and thoroughly stirred, which was followed by degassing and cooling to produce a pasty pack. TABLE 14 Components weight part Active component 4.5 Polyvinyl acetate emulsion 15.0 Polyvinyl alcohol 10.0 Jojoba oil 2.0 Squalane 2.0 POE sorbitol monostearic acid ester 1.0 Titanium oxide 5.0 Talc 10.0 Sorbitol 10.0 Ethanol 8.0 Dye 0.5 Aseptic agent 0.2 Purified water 31.8

EXAMPLE 13 Production of a Lipstick

[0113] Individual components listed below previously heated at 70° C. were mixed, thoroughly stirred, poured into a mold and cooled rapidly to produce a lipstick. TABLE 15 Components weight part Active component 2.0 Castor oil 25.0 Cetyl 2-Ethylhexanate 20.0 Lanoline 10.0 Isopropylmyristic acid ester 10.0 Candelilla wax 9.0 Solid paraffin 8.0 Carnauba wax 5.0 Beeswax 5.0 Titanium dioxide 5.0 Dye 1.0

EXAMPLE 14 Production of a Lip Cream

[0114] From the components listed below, active component, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol and butyl stearate, each of which previously heated to 70° C., were mixed together, the residual components were added, and thoroughly stirred to produce a lip cream. TABLE 16 Components weight part Active component 4.0 Stearic acid 14.0 Stearyl alcohol 8.0 Butyl stearate 10.0 Propylene glycol 10.0 Glycerin monostearate 4.0 Potassium hydroxide 1.0 Antioxidant 0.2 Purified water 48.8

EXAMPLE 15 Production of a Cheek Rouge

[0115] Individual components listed below, except perfume and liquid paraffin, were mixed at room temperature, then the mixture was sprayed with the perfume and the liquid paraffin, which was followed by grinding and compression molding to produce a cheek rouge. TABLE 17 Components weight part Active component 1.5 Talc 77.8 Kaolin 9.0 Zinc myristate 5.0 Pigment 3.0 Liquid paraffin 3.0 Perfume 0.5 Aseptic agent 0.2

EXAMPLE 16 Production of an Eyeliner

[0116] From the components listed below, carbon black previously ground was dispersed in purified water, the residual components were added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature to produce an eyeliner. TABLE 18 Components weight part Active component 10.0 Carbon black 5.0 Polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether 2.0 Dye 0.5 Aseptic agent 0.2 Purified water 82.3

EXAMPLE 17 Production of a Mascara

[0117] From the components listed below, purified water and polyacrylic acid ester emulsion were mixed at 70° C., the residual components previously mixed by heating at 70° C. were then added, which was followed by emulsifying dispersion to produce a mascara. TABLE 19 Components weight part Active component 4.5 Iron oxide 10.0 Polyacrylic acid ester emulsion 27.0 Liquid paraffin 8.0 Lanoline wax 8.0 Lightweight isoparaffin 28.0 Sorbitol sesquioleate 4.0 Dye 0.5 Antioxidant 0.1 Aseptic agent 0.1 Purified water 9.8

EXAMPLE 18 Production of an Eyebrow Pencil

[0118] Individual components listed below except powdery ones were melted and mixed, then the powdery components were added, which was followed by kneading and molding to produce an eyebrow pencil. TABLE 20 Components weight part Active component 1.0 Iron oxide 19.0 Titanium oxide 5.0 Talc 10.0 Kaolin 15.0 Japan tallow 20.0 Stearic acid 10.0 Beeswax 5.0 Hydrogenated castor oil 5.0 Vaseline 4.0 Lanoline 3.0 Liquid paraffin 2.8 Antioxidant 0.1 Aseptic agent 0.1

EXAMPLE 19 Production of a Hand Cream

[0119] Individual components listed below were mixed by heating at 70° C., then thoroughly stirred to produce a hand cream. TABLE 21 Components weight part Active component 3.0 Glycerin 20.0 Urea 2.0 Stearic acid monoglyceride 2.5 Vaseline 6.0 Liquid paraffin 10.0 Purified water 56.5

EXAMPLE 20 Production of a Hair Shampoo

[0120] Individual components listed below were mixed by heating at 70° C., then thoroughly stirred to produce a hair shampoo. TABLE 22 Components weight part Active component 5.0 Glycerin 1.0 Sodium laurylpolyoxyethylene sulfate 10.0 Sodium lauryl sulfate 6.0 Palm oil fatty acid diethanolamide 3.0 Metal ion blocker 0.1 pH Adjuster 0.5 Aseptic agent 0.2 Purified water 74.2

EXAMPLE 21 Production of a Hair Rinse

[0121] Individual components listed below were mixed by heating at 70° C., then thoroughly stirred to produce a hair rinse. TABLE 23 Components weight part Active component 3.0 Silicone oil 2.8 Liquid paraffin 1.2 Glycerin 2.5 Cetyl alcohol 1.3 Stearyl alcohol 1.1 Stearyl chloride trimethylammonium 0.6 Dye 1.0 Aseptic agent 0.2 Purified water 86.3

EXAMPLE 22 Production of a Hair Liquid

[0122] Individual components listed below were mixed at room temperature to produce a hair liquid. TABLE 24 Components weight part Active component 1.0 Polyoxypropylene butyl ether 20.0 Polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil 1.0 Ethyl alcohol 50.0 Perfume 0.5 Purified water 27.5

EXAMPLE 23 Production of a Hair Dye

[0123] Individual components listed below were mixed at room temperature to produce a hair dye. TABLE 25 Components weight part Active component 3.0 Pigment 1.0 Acrylic resin alkanolamine (50%) 8.0 Perfume 0.5 Ethyl alcohol 88.0

EXAMPLE 24 Production of Bath Salts

[0124] Individual components listed below were mixed at room temperature to produce bath salts. TABLE 26 Components weight part Active component 10 Sodium sulfate 50 Sodium hydrogencarbonate 25 Sodium chloride 13 Dye 2

EXAMPLE 25 Production of an Anti-atopic Ointment

[0125] Individual components listed below were emulsified and dispersed at 70° C., and cooled to produce an anti-atopic ointment. TABLE 27 Components weight part Composition of Example 7 3.0 Vaseline 24.0 Stearyl alcohol 21.0 Propylene glycol 13.0 Polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil 3.5 Glycerin monostearate 1.0 Aseptic agent 0.2 Purified water 34.3

Test Example Test for Evaluating Moisturizing and Skin Roughness Prevention Effects

[0126] Twenty male hairless mice of 9-week old (Skh:hr-1, Nihon SLC) were applied with 0.5% Triton X-150 (50 μl) in a circular area of 2.5 cm diameter on their rear backs. The once-a-day application was continued for 5 days. On the 6th day and thereafter, middle-wavelength UV light was irradiated at a dose of 0.15 J/cm² using a SE lamp (manufactured by Toshiba Medical Instruments Co., Ltd.), and Samples 1 to 5 (dissolved in 0.5% Triton X-150) listed below and control sample (0.5% Triton X-150) were applied. These procedures were taken once a day and continued up to the 10th day. Five hairless mice were subjected to each test for Samples or the control. TABLE 28 Concentration of Sample No. Active component active component Sample 1 (invention) No. 19 in Table 6 1.0% Sample 2 (invention) No. 20 in Table 6 0.1% Sample 3 (comparison) Glyceroglycolipid 1.0% Sample 4 (comparison) Ganglioside 1.0% Sample 5 (comparison) Galactocerebroside 1.0%

[0127] After the middle-wavelength UV irradiation and the sample application were completed on the 10th day, amount of transcutaneous transpiration was measured using a hydrograph (model AMU-3: manufactured by Fauchon Co., Ltd.) to determine an average value for the five mice. Results were shown in the table below, where the values are expressed in relative values assuming the control (9 g/m²/h) as 100. TABLE 29 Sample No. Relative transcutaneous transpiration Control 100 Sample 1 (invention) 64 Sample 2 (invention) 79 Sample 3 (comparison) 123 Sample 4 (comparison) 89 Sample 5 (comparison) 91

[0128] From these findings, it was made clear that the Samples of this invention allow only quite a low level of transcutaneous transpiration, proving their excellent moisture keeping effect. In the visual observation of the rear backs of the hairless mice after the completion of 10-day tests, there was no sign of skin roughness by the application of the Samples of the present invention unlike the comparative Samples.

[0129] These potent moisturizing and skin roughness preventing effects were observed also for other compositions not described in the above Examples. In particular, a sphingoglycolipid prepared from each white fungus according to the method described in Example 3, and Samples 1, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 18 prepared according to the method described in Example 4 showed exceedingly potent moisturizing and skin roughness preventing effects. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An external composition for skin comprising a component extracted from a fungus of genus Sphingomonas.
 2. An external composition for skin according to claim 1, wherein said component is obtained by washing said fungus of genus Sphingomonas with acetone, and then extracting the resultant with alcohol or alcohol-water mixture.
 3. An external composition for skin according to claim 2, wherein said alcohol or alcohol-water mixture is methanol, propanol-water mixture or butanol-water mixture.
 4. An external composition for skin according to claim 3, wherein said alcohol or alcohol-water mixture is propanol-water mixture having a propanol content of 75 wt % or less, or butanol-water mixture having a butanol content of 95 wt % or less.
 5. An external composition for skin according to claim 4, wherein said alcohol or alcohol-water mixture is butanol-water mixture having a butanol content ranging from 80 to 95 wt %.
 6. An external composition for skin according to claim 1, wherein said fungus of genus Sphingomonas is a white fungus.
 7. An external composition for skin comprising a sphingoglycolipid represented by the following formula:

where, R₁ represents a sugar portion consisting of a single uronic acid or one to four hexoses selected from a group consisting of uronic acid, glucosamine, galactose and mannose; R₂ represents an alkyl group which may have a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; and R₃ represents an alkyl group; these alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups being straight or branched, and substituted or unsubstituted.
 8. An external composition for skin according to claim 7, wherein said R₁ consists of 3 or 4 hexoses.
 9. An external composition for skin according to claim 8, wherein said R₁ is a sugar portion of four hexoses consisting of a uronic acid, a glucosamine, a galactose and a mannose; three hexoses cosisting of a uronic acid, a glucosamine and a galactose; or four hexoses consisting of a uronic acid, a galactose and two glucoses.
 10. An external composition for skin according to claims 7, wherein said R₂ is represented by any one of the following formulae:


11. An external composition for skin according to claim 7, wherein said R₂ has 15 to 25 carbon atoms.
 12. An external composition for skin according to claim 11, wherein said R₂ is represented by any one of the following formulae:


13. An external composition for skin according to claim 7, wherein said R₃ is a substituted or unsubstituted straight alkyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms.
 14. An external composition for skin according to claim 13, wherein said R₃ is a straight alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms.
 15. An external composition for skin according to claim 7, wherein said R₁ has a structure represented by any one of formulae A to D as in claim 10, R₂ has a structure represented by any one of formulae a to c as in claim
 12. 16. Use of said external composition for skin as claimed in claim 1 for toilet soap, shampoo, cleansing foam, rinse, eye cream, eye shadow, cream or milky lotion, toilet lotion, perfume, face powder, facial oil, hair-care cosmetics, hair dye, jelly fragrance, powder, pack, shaving cream, shaving lotion, suntan oil, anti-suntan oil, suntan lotion, sun-screening lotion, suntan cream, sun-screening cream, foundation, powdery fragrance, cheek rouge, mascara, eyebrow pencil, nail cream, nail enamel, nail enamel remover, hair cleaner, bath cosmetics, lipstick, lip cream, eyeliner, toothpaste, deodorant agent, eau de cologne, hair tonic, hair restorer, ointment, wet pack, medicated lip cream or anti-atopic agent.
 17. An external composition for skin according to claim 1 further comprising at least one of whitening agent, surfactant, dye, perfumery, aseptic agent, pigment, mildewproof agent, antioxidant, UV absorber, infrared absorber, fluorescent material, metal ion blocker, binder, filler, antiphlogistic, circulation accelerator, cell activator and antibiotic.
 18. A white fungus belonging to genus Sphingomonas.
 19. A white fungus according to claim 18 belonging to Sphingomonas paucimobilis.
 20. A white fungus according to claim 19 selected from a group consisting of Sphingomonas paucimobilis KFC-W-1; deposition Nos. FERM P-16238 and BP-6368), Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-253W; deposition Nos. FERM P-16693 and BP-6369), Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-254W; deposition No. FERM P-16694 and BP-6370) and Sphingomonas paucimobilis MK-332W; deposition No. FERM P-16695 and BP-6371). 